A helpline has been set up for patients of a surgery after a family doctor was arrested and charged with a series of sexual offences.

Dr Davinder Jeet Bains, 45, was arrested by police earlier this month and subsequently charged with a total of six offences, four of which allegedly took place at Tinkers Lane Surgery, in Royal Wootton Bassett, where he worked as a GP.

The doctor, who lives in Swindon and who qualified in 1993 from Mangalore University, is accused of four counts of sexual assault and voyeurism at the surgery and another count of sexual assault and administering a noxious drug with intent to commit a sexual offence at his home.

In response, the Primary Care Trust, NHS Wiltshire, has written to all female patients at the surgery and also established a dedicated helpline, available from this morning, for patients of the surgery to contact with any concerns.

A spokesman for NHS Wiltshire said: “We can confirm that Davinder Jeet Bains, a GP from the Tinkers Lane Surgery in Royal Wootton Bassett, has been charged with serious allegations including sexual assault and voyeurism.

“Dr Bains has been suspended by the General Medical Council and the Tinkers Lane Surgery.

“He will be unable to practise medicine while the legal process is under way.

“Wiltshire Police are now leading a criminal investigation, and are working closely with colleagues from NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire Council to provide support and advice to those involved.

“We understand that patients may be worried and concerned, and that they may have questions.

“NHS Wiltshire has written to all female patients who are aged 16 and over and that are registered with Tinkers Lane Surgery to provide them with details of a helpline which has been established for the public to call with any questions or concerns. Professional advice is available through the helpline.”

Last Friday the General Medical Council Interim Orders Panel resolved to suspend Dr Bains’ licence to practise while the case continued.

A spokesman for the GMC said: “It’s the GMC’s job to protect patients by ensuring doctors are fit to practise.

“When a criminal investigation is taking place into a doctor we wait for its outcome before we call the doctor to a fitness to practise hearing.

“In order to protect patients we can restrict a doctor’s practice during this time. In this case, Dr Bains has been suspended from the medical register and may not work as a doctor in the UK.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm that Davinder Jeet Bains, aged 45, of Swindon, a GP from Royal Wootton Bassett, has been arrested and charged with four counts of sexual assault and voyeurism at Tinkers Lane doctors’ surgery in Royal Wootton Bassett, and one count of sexual assault and administering a noxious drug with intent to commit a sexual offence at his home address.

“He appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday, June 16 and was remanded in custody to reappear at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, July 6.

“Anyone who has concerns or wishes to speak to police regarding this matter should contact the police on 101.”

The dedicated number is 03456 029907 and lines are open seven days a week between 8am and 8pm.

People with concerns are asked to call the helpline and not to attend the surgery as staff may not be able to answer questions.